Introduction
Apples are among the most versatile and beloved fruits, and they make for an excellent base in a wide variety of desserts. Whether you prefer warm, comforting pies or light, fruity muffins, apples can be incorporated into countless vegan-friendly treats. These desserts not only celebrate the crisp and sweet flavors of apples but also follow vegan principles—meaning no dairy, eggs, or animal products are used in the recipes.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best vegan apple desserts, from traditional classics to innovative creations. Plus, we’ll explore how to make these treats simple, quick, or even healthy. You’ll learn how to prepare some of the best vegan apple desserts and understand how to tweak them to match your personal taste.
What Makes Apple Desserts Vegan
Vegan apple desserts are simply desserts made with plant-based ingredients that do not use dairy, eggs, or animal-based products. In these recipes, the traditional ingredients like butter or milk are swapped with plant-based alternatives such as:
- Butter: Coconut oil, vegan butter, or even applesauce.
- Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Eggs: Flax eggs, chia seeds, or even applesauce.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar.
The key is to substitute ingredients that contribute to the flavor and texture while still staying true to the plant-based lifestyle.
Classic Vegan Apple Desserts
Vegan Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is one of the easiest and most comforting desserts to prepare. The warm, soft apples are topped with a crunchy oat topping, making it a perfect vegan dessert.
Ingredients:
- Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Rolled oats
- Brown sugar
- Coconut oil or vegan butter
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
Instructions: Layer sliced apples in a baking dish and top with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil. Bake until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
Why it’s great: It’s easy, quick, and offers a wholesome, comforting taste. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.
Vegan Apple Pie
An all-time favorite, apple pie can easily be made vegan by swapping the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives. The tart apples are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a perfectly balanced filling.
Ingredients:
- Apples
- Vegan pie crust
- Vegan butter
- Maple syrup
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice
Instructions: Prepare the pie crust, mix the apples with spices, and fill the crust. Bake until golden brown. Serve with vegan ice cream for an extra treat.
Why it’s great: It’s the classic dessert everyone loves, and making it vegan doesn’t take away from its comforting, rich flavor.
Vegan Apple Cake
This cake is soft, moist, and packed with fresh apple chunks. It’s a great alternative to apple pie and works well for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients:
- Apples (peeled and chopped)
- Flour (use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose for a healthier version)
- Baking soda, cinnamon
- Vegan butter or oil
- Sugar, almond milk
Instructions: Combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in the chopped apples, and bake until golden. Top with powdered sugar or vegan frosting.
Why it’s great: This apple cake is perfect for people who want a lighter option than pie but still crave that apple-filled goodness.
Innovative Vegan Apple Desserts
Vegan Apple Crumble Custard Bars
These bars combine the best of both worlds—apple crumble and creamy custard. They have a crunchy topping, smooth custard filling, and sweet apple slices that balance everything out.
Ingredients:
- Apples
- Vegan custard powder or cornstarch
- Coconut milk
- Oats, flour, and brown sugar
Instructions: Layer the apples, prepare the custard filling, and top with a crumble mixture. Bake until the custard is set, and the topping is golden.
Why it’s great: A twist on the classic apple crisp, these bars offer creamy custard with a crunchy oat topping.
Vegan Apple Pie Bars
Apple pie bars are a portable, easy-to-make version of the classic apple pie. With a buttery shortbread crust, cinnamon-sugar apple filling, and a streusel topping, these bars are irresistible.
Ingredients:
- Apples
- Vegan shortbread crust (made with vegan butter and flour)
- Cinnamon, nutmeg
- Streusel topping (oats, brown sugar, and vegan butter)
Instructions: Layer the crust, add the apple filling, and top with the streusel. Bake until golden and serve as bars.
Why it’s great: They capture the essence of apple pie in a convenient, shareable form.
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These muffins are light, fluffy, and infused with the warm flavors of apples and cinnamon. Perfect for a quick snack or a breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
- Apples
- Flour
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Almond milk or oat milk
- Maple syrup or coconut sugar
Instructions: Mix the dry and wet ingredients, fold in the apples, and bake in muffin tins.
Why it’s great: Muffins are easy to make, and these ones provide a healthy and delicious way to enjoy apples.
Quick and Easy Vegan Apple Desserts
Vegan Apple Crisp Simplified Version
For a simpler version of the apple crisp, reduce the number of ingredients and prep time. You can even use pre-made vegan butter or coconut oil.
Why it’s great: A go-to dessert when you need something sweet in less than 30 minutes.
Vegan Apple Cake Quick and Easy
Skip the frosting or extra decoration and go for a one-bowl apple cake. With minimal ingredients, this dessert can be prepared quickly for last-minute cravings.
International Vegan Apple Desserts
Tufahije Bosnian Poached Apples
Tufahije is a traditional Bosnian dessert made from apples stuffed with a mixture of walnuts, sugar, and spices. The apples are poached in a sweet syrup and often served chilled.
Why it’s great: It’s a unique and delicious way to enjoy apples, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Apfelküchle German Apple Fritters
Apfelküchle is a classic German dessert where apple slices are dipped in a light batter and fried until crispy. They’re often served with powdered sugar or a vanilla sauce.
Why it’s great: If you love fried desserts, these crispy, warm apple fritters are a perfect vegan option.
Vegan Apple Dessert Toppings and Pairings
- Vegan Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this is the perfect topping for apple crisps and pies.
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Pair warm apple desserts with a scoop of vegan vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate treat.
- Caramel Sauce: Vegan caramel sauce complements the natural sweetness of apples, making it a great addition to many apple desserts.
Healthy Vegan Apple Desserts
If you’re looking for healthier dessert options, try these alternatives:
Raw Apple Tarts
Raw apple tarts use a nut-based crust and are filled with raw apple slices. The crust is made from crushed almonds or dates, offering a wholesome, unbaked treat.
Apple Chia Pudding
For a nutritious and satisfying dessert, try apple chia pudding. Simply combine almond milk, chia seeds, and chopped apples for a refreshing, healthy option.
Table of Contents
Conclusion
Introduction
What Makes Apple Desserts Vegan?
Classic Vegan Apple Desserts
Vegan Apple Crisp
Vegan Apple Pie
Vegan Apple Cake
Innovative Vegan Apple Desserts
Vegan Apple Crumble Custard Bars
Vegan Apple Pie Bars
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Quick and Easy Vegan Apple Desserts
Vegan Apple Crisp (Simplified Version)
Vegan Apple Cake (Quick & Easy)
International Vegan Apple Desserts
Tufahije (Bosnian Poached Apples)
Apfelküchle (German Apple Fritters)
Vegan Apple Dessert Toppings and Pairings
Vegan Whipped Cream
Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Caramel Sauce
Healthy Vegan Apple Desserts
Raw Apple Tarts
Apple Chia Pudding
Conclusion:
Vegan apple desserts offer a delicious and cruelty-free way to enjoy the flavors of fall. From classic apple pies to innovative crumble custard bars, there’s a recipe for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a festive dessert, or a healthy option, apples can be transformed into a wide variety of mouth-watering vegan treats. Try these recipes, experiment with different variations, and enjoy the sweet, tangy goodness of apples in every bite!